MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — For all the Big Ten bashing going on, there are a couple feel-good stories playing out at Minnesota and Northwestern.

The Gophers and Wildcats are teams that typically fade from the conference spotlight in October. Right now, both are celebrating 4-0 starts.

Ohio State also has won four straight, but that’s no surprise.

Minnesota already has won one more game than it did all of last season, and Northwestern owns three of the Big Ten’s six wins over BCS-conference opponents.

Minnesota would be 5-0 for the first time since 2004 if it can beat Iowa on the road Saturday. Northwestern opens Big Ten play at home against Indiana.

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